From Deseret News archives:

Merchants huddle: They seek more details on Sugar House project

Published: Friday, March 9, 2007 12:21 a.m. MST
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
Merchants affected by a proposed redevelopment packed Sugar House Coffee Thursday, eager to discuss the fate of their businesses and a beloved shopping district.

At a morning meeting moderated by Salt Lake City Councilman Soren Simonsen, merchants expressed frustration at a lack of information regarding plans for the area — the block bordered by 2100 South, Highland Drive, Sugarmont Drive and McClelland Street — and a desire to do what they can to save their businesses and preserve the area.

"We have an identity here," said Cynthia Osmun, owner of Luna's Italian Ice cafe. "If they tear it down, the remnants of this neighborhood, we might as well be another Fort Union."

But with little information available about the proposed developments — there are multiple property owners on the block — Osmun and other Sugar House tenants were frustrated. Little at this point has been submitted to the city in the way of plans or permit applications, Simonsen said. Few know precisely what's in store, when it will happen, or what can be done to help businesses relocate when it does.

Story continues below
On Thursday, Simonsen proposed the formation of a public/private task force to track what's happening, look into what might be done to help merchants — such as redevelopment aid for relocation or assistance in finding new locations — and seek ways to minimize the economic and construction-related impacts of development.

City staffers will be in touch with interested businesses in the next few weeks, Simonsen said, and the task force likely would meet for the next six to 12 months, depending on need.

Martie Bond, owner of iPaw, a pet boutique located at 2146 S. Highland, said she will sign on for the task force.

"I'm new to Utah, but I know that Sugar House has always been a draw," Bond said. "It's just a fun place to be. So when I found that space (on Highland Drive), I was thrilled. It was the perfect spot — there's walk-by traffic, it's the center of the city, there's small businesses, and I wasn't going to be sandwiched in between two huge buildings with a Starbucks on the corner and an Urban Outfitters on the other side. It was perfect for what I wanted to do, and I put my whole life savings into it."

Bond says she doesn't want to move, but she's been forced to look for another location because the area will become more vacant in anticipation of demolition, then vacant again when the area becomes a construction zone, and then unavailable once the project is complete because rents will be too high.

Comments

You can be the first to comment on this story.

Image

Salt Lake Councilman Soren Simonsen, left, conducts meeting at Sugar House Coffee Thursday to discuss the proposed redevelopment. Many of the businesses, including Sugar House Coffee, have started receiving eviction notices.

Related content
previousnext

Latest comments

RSL's Rimando makes 3

So Great!!! So Proud - Love RSL - Bring Home The CUP!!!!!

mr cannon's bold assertation that the purpose of the first ammendemnt as...

RSL heads to MLS title game

Great great great game!!!! Nicky Rimando is a god! We're the most complete...

I had the game on DVR and just watched it. That was the most exciting game...

RSL heads to MLS title game

financially cannot this year, but I will watch loyally, how great to hear...

This is hardly surprising. Bennett has a remarkable arrogance which is also...

RSL heads to MLS title game

I guess that is why "they play the game" as Herman Edwards would say.. ...

BYU happy to escape with victory

What was the score of the LSU vs LA tech game? Alot closer than you'd like to...

Has Fedor not said that THIS IS OUR YEAR all year long? Go back and...

This is just a small glimpse of the future with Obamacare: corruption, waste...

Advertisements
Advertisement